Friday, January 25, 2008

Hauling glass

MCNBC.com the other day posted an article about urban myths and legends regarding travel. While the article mostly debunked or pointed out the obsolescence of some of the things people say about being on the road -- hotels transferring your credit card info onto the magnetic strip on the back of your key card, for example, is bunk -- there was some truth in some "legends."

For example, the cleanliness of the glasses in hotel rooms. Just how clean are they? And how are they cleaned? As the article stated:

Sadly, the one that claims hotel maids do terrible things while “cleaning” your room can be all too true. Hygiene standards at hotels are, frankly, in the toilet.

The article referred to the investigative report by an Atlanta TV station, linked here.

I won't assume those glasses are clean again. I think I'll toss some plastic cups in my suitcase before my next trip.

Try this-- fill your questionable hotel glass with straight vodka, only for the purpose of killing germs, of course, but don't waste it, drink that, then enjoy good old tap water in your sterile glass!! This method also avoids the possibility of contaminated bottled water!! And enjoy your stay!

Jay Berwanger

"Jay Berwanger, a Dubuque native and winner of college football's first Heisman Trophy (1935), is the subject of my latest research project. (Photo: University of Chicago.)

Ray Schalk

Ray Schalk, star catcher of the Chicago White Sox (1912-28), is the subject of my recently released book: Ray Schalk: A Baseball Biography. Photo: National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress.

Red Faber

This star pitcher of the Chicago White Sox is the subject of my book, "Red Faber: A Biography of the Hall of Fame Spitball Pitcher." (McFarland & Co., 2007) Photo: Bain Collection, Library of Congress.